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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Positive For Exposure To Herpes Mean?

I have never had an outbreak of herpes sores. I have been in a committed monogamous relationship for the past 2 1/2 years. Prior to us meeting, I was tested by a doctor for a wide range of STD's. All were negative. I saw a different Doc again, three weeks ago who stated that all test were negative but positive for "Exposure" to herpes. What does that mean??? Do I have it or not. Yes or no? It's a simple question.
                                                                 
Wed, 10 Dec 2014
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic

My answer to your question is Yes, you have the virus.
After infection your body will produce antibodies against the virus causing herpes.These antibodies are detectable by certain blood tests as evidence of infection.
The infection once acquired remains so for the rest of life and therefore an individual will always test positive. The virus may cause genital sores, from time to time.
It is not always possible to know when you may have acquired the virus and from whom if you have had more than one sexual contact in the past.
Herpes simplex virus may cause either oro-labial or genital herpes. The route of transmission is intimate contact (though not always sexual).
Kissing is the most common route for transmission for oro-labial herpes whereas genital herpes is usually acquired by sexual contact with an infected partner. The infection may get transmitted even if there are no obvious sores because the virus is being shed asymptomatically from infected surfaces, from time to time.

Regards
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What Does Positive For Exposure To Herpes Mean?

Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic My answer to your question is Yes, you have the virus. After infection your body will produce antibodies against the virus causing herpes.These antibodies are detectable by certain blood tests as evidence of infection. The infection once acquired remains so for the rest of life and therefore an individual will always test positive. The virus may cause genital sores, from time to time. It is not always possible to know when you may have acquired the virus and from whom if you have had more than one sexual contact in the past. Herpes simplex virus may cause either oro-labial or genital herpes. The route of transmission is intimate contact (though not always sexual). Kissing is the most common route for transmission for oro-labial herpes whereas genital herpes is usually acquired by sexual contact with an infected partner. The infection may get transmitted even if there are no obvious sores because the virus is being shed asymptomatically from infected surfaces, from time to time. Regards